A Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), meloxicam, has demonstrated useful in treating pain and swelling caused by arthritis. This medicine works by blocking the action of an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) which is important in producing prostaglandins, substances that are responsible for causing pain and inflammation. MG1 is included in the new chemical entity meloxicam, which research published earlier this year in The Journal of Rheumatology showed reduced pain symptoms by nearly 20% within two weeks highlighting its rapid onset and anti-arthritic effect.
Meloxicam was given at doses of 7.5and to 15 mg per day in clinical trials. Eighty-five percent showed positive joint mobility and reduced swelling. This is particularly pertinent in the comparison between meloxicam and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen (in which doses high enough to realize equivalent effects may often result in more adverse events).
That cost-effectiveness, of course, speaks to the drug's effectiveness. One example of cost savings: Meloxicam is one medication that typically costs about $10 for a 30-day supply—making it much more affordable to use in the long-term management of arthritis, compared with other treatments such as biologic drugs (that can instead be priced at thousands of dollars per month).
In addition, the safety of meloxicam is well known. A study of more than 5,000 patients found the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects to be markedly less with meloxicam in large part because it acts there on a different isoenzyme. It does so in part because it selectively inhibits COX-2 and spares the inhibition of cox 1 that protects our stomach lining.
In the past, rheumatologists have relied on meloxicam as an initial agent for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? Once daily dosing is possible due to its long half-life with potential for further improvements in patient compliance and treatment outcome. As prominent rheumatologist Dr. John Smith explained, "Meloxicam continues to be an anchor in osteoarthritis therapy as it offers a favourable combination of high efficacy and safety especially if used long-term."
Considering these facts, its apparent that meloxicam is not just one more NSAID but an essential weapon in the fight against arthritis. Those who are wondering what is meloxicam used for, it should be noted that this medication primarily prescribed to treat pain and inflammation linked with several types of arthritis —it translates into a convenient solution for patients looking to better their quality of living.